Lieutenant M.D. Payne - Unit Commander

910-798-4227 Main

910-798-4230 FAX

The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Boat Unit is responsible for marine enforcement as well as search and rescue missions.  The primary vessel of the Boat Unit is an eighteen foot, center console Parker powered with a Yamaha outboard motor.  The vessel has been modified by the manufacturer to fill our specific needs.

The vessel is outfitted with the necessary emergency equipment to perform the multitude of different tasks required of it.  The unit is capable of being rapidly deployed to help in water rescues, locating missing persons or to assist other agencies in our area.  The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Boat Unit has assisted local, state and federal agencies including such agencies as the U.S. Coast Guard, The National Transportation Safety Board, The Secret Service, NC Marine Fisheries and NC Wildlife Commission.  The goal of the unit is to provide assistance to those in need and to prevent crime by deterring those who would violate the law through highly visible proactive patrolling of the area waters.